Sorrent, Digital Bridges, InfoSpace Make Mobile Moves

Though the U.S. market for mobile games isn't as large as the Japanese or European industry, San Mateo-based mobile content developer Sorrent may be looking to change that with its acquisition of leading UK publisher and developer Macrospace. Both companies are known for their high-profile licensed games: Sorrent, with mobile titles based on Driv3r, Deer Hunter, and Fox Sports, and Macrospace, whose clients include Square Enix, Eidos, and Cartoon Network. The merging of the two makes Sorrent a significantly more powerful force in the mobile industry, though the press release notes that Sorrent's aim is "to become the leading mobile entertainment publisher in the world" -- which could mean both strengthening its presence and sales in the U.S., or establishing dominance in already-existing markets. Though under new management, Macrospace will continue to operate out of its London offices. In other San Mateo-related mobile news, mobile firm Digital Bridges announced an expansion in their operations. The Scottish developer, who recently closed a third funding round for $18 million, and boasts its own high-profile partners such as Vivendi Universal and Electronic Arts, is opening an office in the south Bay Area. The operational hub will focus on content partnerships geared directly toward the U.S. market, in conjunction with Digital Bridges' existing strategy targeting the European market. Finally, technology and mobile gaming company InfoSpace has announced the acquisition of UK-based mobile developer IOMO for $15 million in cash. IOMO has been named Best Mobile Development Studio at the UK-based Develop Industry Excellence Awards for the previous two years, has created mobile versions of games such as Tomb Raider, Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf and Colin McRae Rally 2005, and its titles are distributed in more than 15 countries.